An Ordered Display of Christ’s Glory

Milestone Church - MA

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An Ordered Display of Christ’s Glory

Philippians 1:1

October 22, 2023 • Edgardo Rosa • Philippians 1:1

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New Testament clearly establishes the Elders, Deacons, and Members. How do these offices highlight the character and work of our Lord Jesus Christ?

1. Eldership: A Display of Christ’s Pastoral Care

2. Deaconship: A Display of Christ’s Servant Love

3. Membership: A Display of Christ’s Submissive Obedience

The three offices of Elder, Deacon, and Member in the church allow us to reflect the character and work of our Lord to one another and to a lost and dying world. No matter where one turns or who one turns to in the church, we ought to see Jesus, the builder and founder of the church. This is why Paul writes to the Ephesian church that through the church the manifold wisdom of God is being made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 3:10). Every part and every office points to and highlights Jesus. Those who fail to see the beauty and gift of these offices make little of these offices. And not only that, they also don’t see how the offices in themselves preach the gospel.

In the Elders, we see men who give of themselves to faithfully care for the flock as Christ laid down his life for the church. In the Deacons, we see men and women who serve as the Son of Man served by giving his life as a ransom for many. And in the Members, we see believers obey as Christ obeyed even to the point of death, even death on the cross.

In His infinite wisdom our Great Shepherd, our Humble Servant, and our King saw fit to structure His church is such a way that everyone who has been united to him would reflect and display him. There was no other way that it could have been done. As a building reflects and displays its architect, so the church reflects and displays its builder.

Maybe you are weary of structure or maybe you don’t see the need for such order in the church. I just want to remind you, that order and structure is good, and that it leads to flourishing. Not only is this biblical but it is also sociological. Even the world recognizes that the most successful people are those who have order and structure in their lives. God cares and love you so much that he is calling you to believe in Jesus and be united to his people where you will be known, cared for, served, and where you will be held accountable. In the church you will find fathers who will lead and teach you, mothers who will care and provide for you, and brothers and sisters who will walk alongside you. Though we are imperfect and full of flaws, because we are in Christ and empowered by his Spirit, we are able to love and serve each other. Jesus has and is redeeming and gathering a people to himself and to one another. Each member of the family, the church is equal in respect and dignity and worth, but we all, in God’s good plan serve in different ways and with different responsibilities. However, it is no safer and joyful place to be on this side of heaven than in the flock and church of Christ. Jesus has brought together a people through his shepherding, service and obedience, so that they would glorify him as they reflect his shepherding, service and obedience.

The Identity And Purpose Of The Church

November 26, 2023 • Edgardo Rosa

Christ - the Founder of the Church

September 17, 2023 • Matthew 16:18, Acts 4:11–12

The universal (catholic) church of Jesus Christ is composed of the elected believers—from all times, nations, tribes, peoples and languages—who by grace, through faith, have been redeemed and washed by the blood of Jesus Christ (holy), united (unity) to one another by the Holy Spirit, are sovereignly governed by the Word of God (apostolic), and who presently manifests themselves in gospel-centered physical gatherings. As the church expectantly awaits the return of Jesus Christ it proclaims the excellencies of God through the message of reconciliation, and loves and serves their communities through words and acts of charity. 1. The Builder 2. The Building Block We talked about the builder and the building block but have not talked about the actual building. The next 9 weeks will be just that. We will slow down and look at the building that Christ has built and is building. As we define who and what the church is, we will study the faith of the church, the character of the church, the governance of the church, the mission of the church and more. But before we got there we had to stop and learn and remind ourselves that without the builder, without the building block that is Jesus, the church is nothing. Our purpose and identity are rooted and grounded in our builder who gave himself in love to ransom and save his bride, his church. It is only in him, the cornerstone that we find salvation and are united to him and one another.

The Church’s Identity in the Trinity

September 24, 2023 • Edgardo Rosa • Ephesians 1:3–6, Ephesians 5:25–27, Ephesians 2:19–22

1. Beloved Children (Ephesians 1:3-6) 2. Precious Bride (Ephesians 5:25-27) 3. Holy Temple (Ephesians 2:19-22)